Tim Clark wants to continue heading to the golf course instead of the courtroom. But that might be the South African golfer's response to the ban on anchoring announced Tuesday by the governing bodies.

Clark, who has 12 professional wins including the 2010 Players Championship, has been anchoring his putter to his chest since turning pro in 1998. But now that the U.S. Golf Association and the R&A have banned anchoring the golf club to the body when a player makes a stroke beginning in 2016, Clark may seek legal action to stay the course.

"We're not going to roll over and just accept this," Clark told USA TODAY Sports. "We will look into all options. We have been put into a position where we have to fight for our livelihoods. We will do what we need to do to get a fair result."

Clark acknowledged his legal counsel is Harry Manion of Boston, who told USA TODAY Sports he also represents Carl Pettersson. Clark, 37, said any possible action would most likely wait until the PGA Tour determines how it will go forward. The Tour opposed the ban during the comment period after the ban was proposed. The Tour, as is its right, could elect to establish its own condition of competition and allow anchoring. The Tour said Tuesday it will engage in discussions with its members before coming to a conclusion.

"The Tour has publicly stated it is unfair and without rational basis, and we don't think our Tour will impose the rule," Manion said. "I am actively exploring legal options."

Clark said he wasn't surprised by the governing bodies' decision. He said the comment period was "basically a lot of smoke and mirrors; they knew they were going to ban anchoring when they proposed the rule," he said. That's why he started looking into his options months ago.

"We certainly have legal standing," Clark said. "We would like to get this resolved without taking it that far. We want what is best for the game, too. But when this came out months ago, it was in my best interest to take care of myself and that might include litigation. I am in jeopardy as a professional golfer. This is how I make a living."